Attorney General Bonta Issues Statement Following Closing Arguments in Lawsuit Challenging False and Misleading Advertising of “Abortion Pill Reversal”

OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today issued a statement after closing arguments concluded in the California Department of Justice’s (DOJ) lawsuit against Heartbeat International (HBI), a national anti-abortion group, and RealOptions Obria (RealOptions), a chain of five crisis pregnancy centers in Northern California. Filed in September 2023 in Alameda County Superior Court, the lawsuit alleges that HBI and RealOptions use false and misleading claims to advertise “abortion pill reversal” (APR), an unproven experimental procedure, in violation of California’s False Advertising Law and Unfair Competition Law. DOJ’s presentation of the state’s case during today’s closing arguments is available online. The court is expected to issue a decision within 90 days. 

“California law protects consumers from false and misleading claims, including when they are making deeply personal healthcare decisions. Today, we wrapped up our case against HBI and RealOptions for advertising abortion pill reversal as safe and effective without credible scientific evidence,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Our goal is simple: to stop that deceptive advertising. The evidence presented at trial supports our position, and we look forward to the court’s decision.”

Medication abortion typically uses a combination of two drugs — mifepristone and misoprostol — taken within 24 to 48 hours of each other to terminate a pregnancy. HBI and RealOptions falsely claim that if a pregnant person takes high doses of the hormone progesterone after taking the first drug, mifepristone, it will safely and effectively cancel the effects of the mifepristone. Despite the lack of scientific evidence and uncertainty about its efficacy and safety, HBI and RealOptions falsely and illegally advertise APR as a valid and successful treatment option and do not adequately warn patients about potential side effects, including the risk of severe bleeding.

HBI operates the “most expansive network” of “pro-life pregnancy resource centers” and runs the Abortion Pill Reversal Network, including its website and hotline, through which it refers patients for and promotes APR. RealOptions, which is incorporated in California, advertises APR as a service available at all of its clinics. 

If you have questions about or are looking for information on or assistance with reproductive healthcare, there are a number of trusted programs that can help you in your search, including California Abortion Access, which provides a safe space to access detailed guidance and resources on abortion care. California protects the privacy of those who visit this website, and their information is not saved or tracked.